During the starting line countdown, tap and hold the screen when the "2" appears and release at "GO!" to get the best possible Rocket Start.

You can get a speed boost from driving into a Mushroom that another racer is towing. The other driver doesn't lose the Mushroom, so it's possible to get multiple boosts from it. Note: This does not work with Mega Mushrooms.

When your screen is gooped up with Blooper ink, you can quickly clean it off by using a Mushroom, driving over a Dash Panel, or performing a Mini-Turbo or Jump Boost. You can also wipe off the ink blot with your finger if you don't want to wait for it to go away on its own.

At the start of a match, tap your racer before the race countdown starts, and your driver will do his or her Rocket Start animation while waiting.

When the dreaded Spiny Shell is targeting you, a Mushroom or Super Horn can help you survive.

• Mushroom: After the Spiny Shell stops circling above you, it will briefly tilt forward before it attacks. When you see it tilt forward, quickly use a Mushroom and you'll dodge the explosion.
• Super Horn: You can use a Super Horn to destroy a Spiny Shell when it's above your racer.